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  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
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    The Bill seeks to strengthen justice and restore trust by removing unlawful immunity for Troubles‑related crimes, reaffirming victims’ rights to redress and ensuring accountability.  On Wednesday 21 January 2025 the House of Commons debated the draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025 and asked for it to be approved. The

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  • National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Third Reading

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
    No Comments

    The Bill will raise employers’ national insurance contributions to 15%, lower the secondary threshold to £5,000, and increase the employment allowance to £10,500. There were two amendments selected for debate and votes: Amendment 5, which would exempt basic rate taxpayers in England, Wales and Scotland from the £2,000 cap, was rejected:  Ayes 191, Noes 326.

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  • APPG Classical Music Meeting

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: Local News, News
    No Comments

    On Wednesday 21 January 2026, the APPG of which I am co Chair with Baroness Barbara Keeley held a meeting to discuss and hear from our two speakers. The first was Music Education Reflections from the Curriculum Assessment Review presented by Sophie Lewis Association of British Orchestras Chair and Chief Executive , National Children’s Orchestras

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  • UK Town of Culture Competition 2028

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: Local News, News
    No Comments

    The first ever UK Town of Culture competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025 will celebrate the rich culture, history and identity of towns right across the UK.  I had the opportunity to speak with Ian Murray MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (pictured) about the Leather Museum. The Minister

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  • Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: Consideration of Lords Amendments

    • 20/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
    No Comments

    This Bill will implement in UK law certain provisions of the treaty signed in May 2025 between the UK and Mauritius agreeing the status and future of the Chagos Archipelago, including the joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia (the archipelago’s largest island). The UK currently administers the Chagos Archipelago as the British Indian Ocean

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